the appetizer:

Batidas

Batidas are the classic cocktails of Brazil, consisting of blended fruits, cachaça (Brazilian rum), and sometimes condensed milk (or "table cream"). They are delicious—come up with your own version using any sort of fresh seasonal fruits.

Kiwi-Coco Batida

Combine the cachaça, kiwi, coconut syrup, condensed milk, and coconut milk in a blender on high for 10 seconds. Add 1 cup of crushed ice and blend for 3 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with the kiwi slice.

Mango Batida

1 cup fresh mango chunks, plus 1 slice for garnish

2 ounces cachaça

2 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Splash of coconut milk

Combine the mango chunks, cachaça, condensed milk, and coconut milk in a blender on high for 10 seconds. Add 1 cup of crushed ice and blend for 3 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with the mango slice.

Blueberry Batida

2 ounces cachaça

1 ounce sweetened condensed milk

10 to 15 blueberries, a few reserved for garnish

1/2 ounce blueberry syrup

Combine the cachaça, condensed milk, blueberries, and blueberry syrup in a blender on high for 10 seconds. Add 1 cup of crushed ice and blend for 3 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with the reserved blueberries.